Bowling pin setting machine



Jan. 12, 1943.

BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINE Filed May 8, 1941 5`Sheets--Sheetl l InvEntEm MS- LJKEIUInEu-l- Ft-tmrnEgE L. J. KAUFMAN v2,307,839

L. J. KAUFMAN l BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINE l Filed May a, 194:. 5 5 sneetsheet 2 Inventur L.J.Kaufman Jan. 12, 1943.5 lL..`.1.'KAUFMA|\1 BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINE 5 sheets-sheetl .5 I

Filed May 8, 1941.

ImvEntmP L...I.Kau:Fm an Patented Jan. 12, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,307,839 BOWLING rm SETTING MACHINE Leonard J. Kaufman, Msmtowoo, wis. application May s, 194i, serial No. somos cost of manufacture and assembly is reduced to a v 12Claims.

Ihe present invention relates to pin setting machines for bowling alleys, and has primarily for its object to simplify and improve such machines with respect to both structure and mode of operation.

minimum.

A still further object is -to provide manually,

operative means for preventing relative expan- More particularly, the `presentinvention is de-l employs relative movable upper and lower frames provided with a plurality of receiving and spotting devices, each comprising a pair ofl opposed sion of the upper and lower frames when it is desired to lift pins from the alley bed.

with the above and other' objects inv1ew,

which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the novel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts, substantially as hereinafter described, and more particularly defined by the appended claims, it being holding jaws adapted to receive a pin in uprightv pins, quickly caused the same tobecome soiled.

Also, upon release of the spotting saddles during the setting operation,v the holding jaws, in riding V over the upper restricted surface of the pins, have a tendency to tilt and rock the same, frequently causing their displacement. The fore, going condition is particularly true in the event of any slight disalinement between the holding jaws and spotting saddles.

Therefore, an important object of the present invention is to overcome the foregoing objections by the provision of a spotting and setting machine, in which holding jaws are eliminated, and the pins supported in substantially horizontal position upon the receiving deck until subsequently tilted to upright position by positive means associated with the spotting saddles, thus' causing the pins to drop through openings in the deck pockets for reception by the spotting saddles, which, upon release of the pins, cause the tilting means to move out of contact with the silient means.

Another object resides in the provision of a understood that such changes in the precise embodiment of the herein disclosed invention may be made as come within the scope of the claims.

-In the accompanying drawings is illustratedone complete example of the physical embodi.v

ment of the present invention constructed according to the best mode so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a pin setter constructed, in accordance with one form of the presentinventlon; f

Figure 2 is a plan view of the same;

Figure 3 is an enlarged. fragmentary sectional view taken on the line I-3 of Figure 2 and illustrating the parts in their pin-receiving position;

Figure 4 is a similar view showing the pin bei supported by the spotting saddles and about to be deposited upon the alley bed;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of one of the spotting saddles;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of one of the clevices to which the spotting saddles are pivotally connected:

Figure 8 is a detail, elevational view of one of the tilting fingers;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of one of the brackets through which the toggle links are pivotally connected with the lower frame;

FigureA 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary eleva# tional view, -with parts broken away and in section, illustrating the auxiliary mechanism for effecting relative movement 'between the upper and lower frames, together with the mechanism for locking the frames against expansion. the

frame members being shown in their expanded position;

novel type of deck pocket for receiving and nor- 1 mally supporting a pin in substantially horizontal position, said pockets preferably consisting of Figure l1 is a similar view showing the frames in collapsed position, and the locking mechanism in operative position;

' Figure l2 is a detail sectional view taken on the line lZ-IZ of Figure 1i;

Figure 13 is a detail sectionall view takenon the line l3-I3 of Figure 10;

independent interchangeable units, whereby the e0 Figure 14 is a detail sectional-view taken on Figure is a similar view taken on the line Figure 16 is a similar view taken on the line I8I6 of Figure 2.

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings,- the letter A designates generally a pin setting machine consisting of spaced, relatively movable upper and lower frames B and C, respectively. The upper frame B forms a receiving deck for the bowling pins P, indicated in the several views by dot and dash lines; while the lower frame C comprises a setting frame, in that it serves to actuate a plurality of, setting devices E disposed between the upper and lower frames Band C, actuation of said setting devices E being dependent upon engagement of the lower frame C with the alley bed D, and subsequent relative movement between the frames.

The setting machine A is supported above the alley bed D for vertical movement by either a, manual or power-actuated mechanism, which" forms no part of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1,the machine is supported by cables I connected with any suitable hoisting Amechanism (not shown), and having secured to their lower ends hooks 2, which are connected with the upper and lower frames B andA C for raisingv and lowering the entire machine, as will be hereinafter described in detail.

To guide the setting machine in its vertical movement, the upper frame B is provided with rods 3 slidably journaled in sleeves Il, which are carried by the supporting and elevating mechamsm.

The upper and lower` frames B and C are preferably fabricated from strips of stock material,

such as angle and strap iron,'and are of corresponding triangular shape and size.

The top frame is provided with a receiving deck F, which preferably consists of a plurality of pocket units 5 corresponding in size, and interchangeable to reduce the cost of production and assembly.

As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, certain of the pockets 5 are provided with aprons 6, welded 401' OtheIWSe Secured thereto t0 from eXtenSlOnS over which the pins may be slid to the pockets, particularly the forward ones remotely positioned from the operator, which eliminates the necessity of extreme care in positioning the pins on the deck.

Those pockets to which clear access is had from the rear of the machine are provided with arcuate end plates 1, which extend above the surface cf the deck to serve as stops for the pins as they are slid forwardly, with the result that the pins are supported in substantially horizontal position within the pockets, as best shown in Figure 3, with the bottom ends of the pins in abutting engagement with the arcuate plates l'.

The intermediate pockets :n are positioned rearwardly of the forward pockets y, and although the pockets x are provided with arcuate stop plates 1', as best shown in Figure 16, the top of the plates are substantially flush with the surface of the deck, in order to eliminate obstruction to the forward pockets y. y

The pockets 5 and aprons 6 are supported by the longitudinal struts of the fabricated frame A, and as best shown in Figures 14 and 15, their edges are overlapped and centered by means of dowel pins 8 carried by dowel pins 8 half-round Y Figure 3.

molding strips 9, which are secured to the longitudinal struts of the frame by stove bolts I8.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the pockets 5 may be quickly and accurately assembled to form the deck F, the dowels 8 serving to hold the same in assembled relation during the attachment of the molding strips 9 by means of the stove bolts I0.

As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pockets 5 adjacent their forward ends are provided with openings II to permit the pins P to pass through the deck to the setting devices E, as will be later explained in detail. Communicating with the openings II, the pockets 5 are provided with longitudinal slots I2, through which tilting fingers I3 operate to 11p-end the pins P within the pockets, and allow the same to drop by gravity to the setting devices E.

In order to prevent mutilation of the pins, the edges of the slots I2 and a portion of the pocket openings terminate in downwardly rounded lips Il to avoid sharp edges. Also, the forward ends of the apron 6 are provided with gulleys I5, which assist in guiding the pins P to the pockets 5.

The receiving and setting frames B and C are held in vertical alinement by means of suitably spaced pins I6 secured to straps II carried by the setting frame. Resilient feet I8, formed of rubberl or other cushioning material, are 'attached to the bottom of the straps I1 by screws I9 threaded into the pins I6, as best shown in The upper ends of the pins IB extend through stlrrups28 fastened to the upper frame B, and

for the purpose of limiting relative collapsing, A

movement of the frames B and C, sleeves 2| are secured upon the pins I6. Due to wear, it has been found desirable to regulate the collapsing action of the frames B and C, and, therefore, loose collars 22 are placed on the pins I6 and supported by the sleeves 2l to serve as an abutment for the straps 28. As wear occurs in the spotting devices, collars 22 of different size may be readily substituted to compensate for the same in regulating relative collapsing movement of the frames.

The spotting' devices E, disposed between the upper and lower frames, each comprise a pair oi opposed arcuate saddles 23, provided with vspaced lateral ears 24 mounted upon pintles 25 carried by clevices 28, which, in turn, are connected to depending yokes 21 attached to the upper frame'B.

Connected to the spotting saddles 23 intermediate their upper and lower ends are toggle links 28 pivotally connected to brackets 29 carried by the setting frame C. Laterally projecting bosses 38 carried by the saddles engage the toggle links 28 to limit relative spreading movement of the upper and lower frames, as best shown in Figure 3, in which the frames are shown in extended pin receiving position.

As best shown in Figures 5 and 6,'the lower portions of the spotting saddles are arcuate in shape, and so formed that their lower extremities 3| serve to ultimately engage and support the pins P in slightly raised position above the alley bed D. The intermediate arcuate portions of the saddles merely serve as guides for the lower ends of the pins, as they are delivered from the pockets 5 to the saddles.

Secured to one of the toggle links 28 of each pair of spotting saddles is a tilting finger I3, heretofore referred to and alined with the slot I2 in the cpi-responding pocket to engage a pin and up-end the same for-delivery through the pocket opening ll, as be hereinafter described in connection with the operation of the apparatus.

In order to better describe additional features of the apparatus, operation of the receivingv and setting frames, together with that of the spotting devices will be briefly explained at this point. As shown in Figure 3, the upper and lower frames are in their extended position, in which the pins P are supported in the pockets in substantially horizontal position, the lower ends oi the pins P being abutted against the arcuate plates 1. In this position of the pins, their cetiter of gravity 'is in approximate alinement with the rear edgesz of the pocket opening il, and kgecause of supportl of their lower'endsby lthe f rcuate plate 1, the pins are prevented from upending through the action of gravity.

After thev pins have been positioned in their respective pockets, the machine is lowered to the alley bed D, which causes the upper and lower frames to be collapsed to the position shown in Figure 5, after which further collapsing move- ,ment of the upper and lower frames is initiated to cause the spotting saddles 23 and toggle links 2i to break inwardly, which, in turn, projects the tilting :lingers I3 through the slots I2 ofthe pockets 5- to engage and rock the pins upon the lip or edge z in the bottom of the pockets. in the manner shown in Figure 4.

During the initial tilting operation, the bottom edges of the pins P engage the arcuate plates 1, causing the center of gravity of the pinto be shifted slightly rearwardly until the pins reach a point where their bottom edges clear the arcuate plates 1, and then upon further collapsing of the upper and lower frames, the spotting saddles 23 :ontinue to move inwardly with the tilting fingers i3 to the position shown in Figure 5, in which the pins have been up-ended by the tiltring finger and delivered by gravity through the .sprocket opening il to the spotting saddles, which {zupport the pins, as shown in Figure 5, slightly above the alley bed D.

The machine is then raised through the lifting cables i '1.o cause relative expansion between the upper and lower frames, and simultaneous outward movement of the spotting saddles and tilting linger izo-release and deposit the pins on the alley bed. inasmuch as the releasing action takes place practically simultaneously with lift-I ing of the upper frame and withdrawal ci the spotting saddles and tilting fingers, there is no sliding contact between these elements and the surface of the 'pins to soil the same, or cause subsequent rocking oi the pins on the alley bed and resultant displacement.

il actual practice, it has been found that because of the extent of friction created between the pins and pockets during the up-ending operation, the combined weight of the pins and upper frame was insuiiicient to overcome the frictional resistance and cause collapse of the frames for tilting the pins.

Therefore, to assist gravity during the ioregoing operation, a pair of contractile springs 32 are connected between the upper and lower frames B and C, respectively. fthe g normally extended, naturally7 tent to frames together.

to be oi such tension that the weigh.7 c.

the

the: I

lower frame was insuiiicient to overcome the tension and allow relative expansion of the frames required for releasing the pins during the setting operation.

Therefore, in order to overcome the tension of the springs 32 and provide relative expansion oi the frames, when required, two sets of toggle links 33 are connected to vthe sides of the upper and lower frames B and C, and, as best shown in Figures 10 and 11, the upper links 34 are provided with oiset arms 35, which, in substance,

form bell cranks of the upper links. The ends of the arms 35 are pivotally connected to the hooks 2, the lower ends of which extend below the upperl frame, as best shown in Figure 12. n In operation, the hooks 2 are vertically movable relative to thel frame B, and consequently when the lower frame C engages the alley bed, the weight of the upper frame, together with the tension of the springs 32, is sufficient to break the toggle-links 33 and draw the upper frame toward the lower frame. As the breaking action of the toggles 33 continues, the pivotal connection between the arms 35 and the hooks 2 causes a the hookH vto move away from the upper frame,

and assume the position shown in Figure 1l.

When the frames have been completely col lapsed and the hooks 2 are again elevated, sufcient leverage lis provided through the connection between the hooks and upper toggle links to overcome the tension of the springs 32 and expand the frames, which action opens the spotting saddles to release and deposit the pins upon the alley bed. Upon expansion of the frames, the lower ends of the hooks 2 engage the upper frame B to again raise the -machine from the alley bed.

When it is desired to raise pins from the alley bed, it is necessary to prevent expansion of the upper and lower frames and consequent release of the spotting saddles. as the machine is raised.

This is accomplished by a manually'actuated.v

mechanism L, carried by thevupper frame B, and consisting of angular slides 36 supported upon the side angles 31 of the upper frame, and guided thereon by plates 33 and spacer blocks 38, secured to the lower edges of the slides 36,8.11 of which extend below the bottom of the frame angles 31 in alinement with the ends of the hooks 2.

When the frames are in their collapsed posin tion as shown in Figure l1, and the lower ends of the hooks are spaced from the upper frame, the slides 36 may be shifted forwardly to project their lower edges between the lower edges of the frame angles 31 and the ends of the hooks 2,

which prevents relative movement between the hooks and frame B and consequent extension of the toggle links 33 to relatively expand the upper and lower frames for release of the pins. ASubsequent elevation of the hooks will raise the entire machine with the frames in collapsed position, and the pins supported in the spotting saddies.

To shift the locking slides 36 forwardly, a transverse shaft 40 is journaled in brackets 4I carried by the frame angles 31, and mounted on the shaft at opposite sides of the machine are hand levers 42 to which rods 43 are connected. The yforward ends of the rods are restricted to project through lateral extensions 44 formed on the plates 3B, while springs 35, connected with the extensions M and the brackets 4I, tend to normally withdraw the locking mechanism from operative position.. However, the tension 0f the springs d5 is relatively light, and consequently accurate operation, and, in addition, facilitates loading of the machine and avoids marring of the pins;

I claim:

l. A bowling pin setting machine comprising,- spaced upper and 'lower frames co-jointly and .relatively movable, means carried by the upper frame for normally supporting the pins in substantially horizontal position, a plurality of shiftable spotting devices interposed between and pivotally connected with said frames, and means carried by the pivotal connections between the spotting devices and the lower frame for vtilting said pins to upright position upon relative collapsing of said frames to cause the pins to be delivered to said'spotting devices.

v 2., A bowling pin setting machine comprising, spaced upper and lower frames co-jointly and relatively movable, pockets carried 4by the upper trame for normally supporting bowling pins in substantially horizontal position, a plurality of shiitable spotting devices interposed between and pivotally connected wth said frames, and means pivctally connected with said spotting devices and'movable therewith for tilting said pins to upright position upon relative collapsing ot said frames to cause the pins to be delivered to said spotting devices.

3. A bowling pinsetting machine comprising, spaced upper and lower frames co-jointly and relatively movable, means carried -byA the upper frame for normally supporting the pins in substantially horizontal position, a plurality of shiftable spotting devices interposed between andA pivotally connected with said frames, and' fingers carried by the pivotal connections between said spotting devices and the lower frame for tilting 'said pins to upright position upon relative col-` lansing oi said frames to cause the pins to be delivered to said spotting devices.

A4. A bowling pin setting 4machine comprising, spaced upper and lower frames co-jointly and relatively movable, means carried bythe upperframe' for normallysupporting the pins in substantially horizontal position, spottinaaddles pivotally carried by said upper frame, links connecting said saddles to said lower frame, and ngers carried by certain oi said links forl tilting said pins to upright position upon relative collapsing of said frames to cause the pins-to be delivered to said spotting saddles.

5. 'A bowling pin setting machine comprising, spaced upper and lower frames co-jolntly and relatively movable. a plurality of spotting devices interposed betweenand pivotally connected with said frames, resilient. means for retracting the frames, and positive means for expanding the same against the tension of said resilient means.'

6. A bowling pin setting machine comprising, spaced upper and lower frames co-jointly and relatively movable, a plurality of spotting devices interposed between and pivotaliy connected to said frameaelevating and supporting members relatively movable, a plurality of spotting devices. interposed between and pivotally connected movably connected to said frames, contractile springs for normally urging said frames together, and positive means connected with said frames and 'supporting members for expanding said frames against the tension of said springs.

7. A bowling pin setting machine comprising, spaced upper and lower frames co-jointly and relatively movable, a plur lity of spotting devices interposed between and pi otally connected with said frames, toggle links connecting said upper and lower frames, elevating and supporting members connected with said toggle links for expanding the same, and resilient means for urging the frames to collapsed position when the weight of the frames is lrelieved from said supporting members. e

8. A bowling pin setting machine comprising, spaced upper and lower frames co-jointly and relatively movable, a plurality of spotting devices( interposed between and pivotally connected with k -said frames, toggle links connecting said upper' and lower frames, elevating and supporting members connected with said toggle links for expanding the same, and springs connecting said frames for urging them to collapsed position.

9.- A bowling pin setting machine comprising, a receiving deck and a spaced lower frame cojointly and relatively movable, said receiving deck comprising a plurality of individual pockets for normally supporting bowling pins in substantially horizontal position, said pockets being provided with delivery openings and longitudinal slots communicating with said openings, a plurality of spotting devices interposed between and pivotally connected with said receiving deck and lower-frame, and means. associated with said spotting devices for actuation through said slots to tilt said pins, and causethe same to be delivered through the pocket openings to said spotting devices.

l0. A bowling pin setting machine comprising, spaced upper and lower frames co-jointly and with said frames, and manually operable means;

. for locking said frames against relative vertical y expansion to prevent actuation of said spotting devices and release of said pins.

ll. A bowling pin setting machine comprising, spaced upper and lower frames co-jointly and relatively rno'vable`l\a plurality of spotting devices interposed between and pivotally connected with said frames, elevating and supporting elements movably connectedto said frames,- and manually operable means for locking said elevating and supporting members against relative movement with said frames to prevent expansion of said frames vandvrelease of the pins from said spotting devices.

l2. A bowling pin setting machine comprising,

spaced upper and lowerv frames co-jointly and relatively movable, a plurality of spotting devices interposed between and pivotally connected with said frames, A elevating and supporting mechanism movably connected with said frames, manually controlled means for locking said elevating and supporting mechanism against movement relative to said frames, and means actuated by said elevating and supporting mechanism for controlling relative movement of said frames to prevent actuation of said spotting devices and release of said pins,

LEONARD J. KAUFMAN. 

